Released in 1984, “The NeverEnding Story” captured the imaginations of children and adults alike with its blend of fantasy, emotion, and unforgettable characters. From the moment Bastian opens that mysterious book, viewers are drawn into the magical world of Fantasia, a place filled with luckdragons, rock biters, and a darkness known only as The Nothing.
Now 41 years later, the picture remains a beloved classic that continues to enchant new generations. Whether you grew up fearing Gmork or wishing you could ride Falkor through the skies, there is always more to discover behind the scenes. To celebrate the anniversary, here are 10 fun facts about “The NeverEnding Story” you might not know.
Germany’s Most Ambitious Movie Project
At the time of its release, “The NeverEnding Story” held the title of the most expensive film ever produced in Germany. With a budget that translated to around 27 million dollars, it marked a major leap in the country’s cinematic ambitions, showcasing just how far German filmmakers were willing to go to bring a fantasy epic to life.
Ride Falkor in Real Life
Fans of “The NeverEnding Story” can make a childhood dream come true at Bavaria Filmpark in Munich, where a full-sized Falkor prop from the movie is on display. Visitors are invited to climb onto the luckdragon’s back and snap a photo, making it one of the park’s most magical and nostalgic attractions.
Atreyu Almost Went Green
In an effort to stay true to the original book, the makeup team initially tried painting Noah Hathaway green to match Atreyu’s description. But the look didn’t quite translate on screen. According to Hathaway, the result made him look more like a walking mushroom than a warrior, and the idea was quickly scrapped.
Artax’s Fate Was Just Movie Magic
Despite a persistent rumor, no horses were harmed during the heartbreaking Swamp of Sadness scene. Director Wolfgang Petersen confirmed that two well-trained horses were used and carefully rotated throughout filming. Thanks to months of preparation with professional handlers, both animals remained completely safe. Petersen acknowledged the emotional weight of the scene but believed it was essential to Atreyu’s journey and the story’s deeper message.
Building a Luckdragon
Falkor wasn’t just a puppet—he was an enormous, motorized creation measuring 43 feet in length. Covered in thousands of hand-placed plastic scales and fluffy pink feather-fur, he was brought to life with incredible detail. His head alone measured three feet in both height and length, complete with a moving tongue that added to his lifelike charm.
A German Box Office Triumph
When “The NeverEnding Story” first hit theaters, it attracted nearly five million viewers across Germany. This level of success was exceptional for a domestic film at the time, proving that the fantasy tale struck a powerful chord with audiences and became a major cultural phenomenon in its home country.
The Author’s Disapproval
Michael Ende, who wrote the original book, was excited at first to see his story adapted for the screen and even helped with the script. But as production went on, he became unhappy with the many changes made to his story. So upset was he that he asked to have his name removed from the opening credits. He later tried to stop the film’s release or change its title but lost in court, leaving his name only in the closing credits.
Auryn’s Place of Honor
The iconic Auryn amulet from “The NeverEnding Story” found a special home after filming. The original prop is now carefully displayed behind glass in Steven Spielberg’s office, a testament to the film’s lasting impact and its place among legendary fantasy works.
A Surprising Audition for the Empress
Tami Stronach was taking theater classes in San Francisco when she got the chance to audition for the role of The Childlike Empress. She thought it was just a small play, unaware she was actually trying out for a major film. Her acting teacher’s connection to a talent scout helped open the door to what became her unforgettable debut.
A Fantasy Filmed in a Heatwave
The bulk of “The NeverEnding Story” was filmed in Germany during the summer of 1983, which turned out to be the country’s hottest summer in a quarter century. Cast and crew worked through sweltering conditions to bring Fantasia to life, making the production as intense behind the scenes as the story was on screen.